Comments in response to DOE's 2014 recertification application must be received by the end of the comment period. The comment period will extend beyond the time when the EPA notifies the DOE that the recertification application is complete. The ending date of the public comment period will be specified in a subsequent Federal Register document. Announcements will be published in the Federal Register to provide information on the Agency's completeness determination and final recertification decision.

40 CFR Parts 191 and 194

Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA, or the Agency) intends to evaluate whether or not the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) continues to comply with the Agency's environmental radiation protection standards for the disposal of radioactive waste. Pursuant to the 1992 WIPP Land Withdrawal Act (LWA), as amended, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE, or the Department) must submit documentation of continued compliance with the EPA's standards for disposal and other statutory requirements every five years after the initial receipt of transuranic waste at WIPP. The DOE's 2014 Compliance Recertification Application (CRA) was received by the EPA on March 26, 2014, and a copy may be found on the EPA's WIPP Web site ( http://www.epa.gov/radiation/wipp/2014application.html ) and in the public dockets (see ADDRESSES Section). The EPA will determine when the DOE has provided a complete application; the Agency's completeness determination will be conveyed to the DOE and published in the Federal Register . The EPA will evaluate the “complete” application in determining whether the WIPP facility continues to comply with the radiation protection standards for disposal. The Agency requests public comment on all aspects of the DOE's application.